With a brake-related recall for the 2010 Toyota Prius expected any day now, Toyota is now said to be investigating the Lexus HS250h hybrid, which is also sold as the Sai in Japan. Using plenty of similar equipment to the HS the Prius has received over 100 complaints registered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) as well as Japanese authorities. The NHTSA lists 10 brake-realated complaints for the HS.

Prius owners say they experienced a brief loss of braking capability when traveling over bumpy or icy roads. Toyota has admitted it knew of a problem that caused a brief loss of braking during the transition from the car’s regenerative braking to its traditional friction braking. Toyota refers to this as “slight unresponsiveness” and says it usually lasts less than a second. The automaker has said the issue has been solved on all models produced since late January but no recall has been ordered for models built before that time.

Over the weekend, Toyota engineers were busy testing the Prius at the company’s Higashifuji proving grounds. Toyota representative Ririko Takeuchi commented that the two models, “have very similar braking systems and we are currently checking whether they have the same problem.”

In the U.S., Toyota sold 6,699 Lexus HS hybrids last year, as well as 139,682 2010 Prius models.

[Source: Automotive News]

Having just announced the much-improved 2011 Shelby GT500 model, Ford is also debuting a new SVT Performance Pack for the car, which it says will deliver a 3.0-second per lap improvement on a 2.3 mile road course over the 2010 model.

So how is this possible? Well, along with the GT500′s 102-lb lighter engine, the Shelby team worked with Goodyear on a set of Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, with a staggered 19-inch front and 20-inch rear fitment. Additional grip is also due to wider 265/40/19 tires up front. Ford claims the tires help deliver a 1.0 later g rating and a 7 percent improvement in braking.

“These tires are as close as you can get to a race car tire,” said Eric Zinkosky, SVT technical specialist. “We have a tire that’s way more capable, with better grip, is firmer and more race-oriented. From there, we tuned the chassis around it. The tires told us what we had to do.

Compared to the stock rollers, the new SVT light weight forged aluminum wheels weigh 4.7 lbs less up front and 2.8 lbs less in the rear.

Additional upgrades include stiffer springs that are 11 millimeters lower up front and 8 millimeters lower in the rear, while a longer 3.73 rear axle ratio is better suited to the car’s power on the track. Some aerodynamic improvements include a new rear spoiler Gurney Flap as well as a modified front end that delivers 25 percent better front downforce.

Pricing for the 2011 Shelby GT500 and the SVT Performance Package have not yet been released. Ford will officially debut the car and the package this Wednesday, February 10th at the Chicago Auto Show.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Official release after the jump:

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Thanks to an all-aluminum block and a numerous other upgrades, Ford is promising the 2011 Shelby GT500 will offer more power, a lower curb weight and improved handling. The new aluminum block weighs 102 lbs less than the old cast-iron unit and puts out 10-more horsepower for a total of 550-hp at 6200 rpm. Torque is rated at 510 ft-lbs, 80 percent of which is available from 1750 to 6250 rpm. Plus, a new two-row intercooler delivers 40 percent better cooling so this sports car will perform with optimum potential even on the hottest of track days.

Of that 102 lbs, 8.5 lbs was saved by using a state-of-the-art plasma coating for the cylinder walls, rather than having to use steel sleeves.

The result of this drastic reduction in weight, especially over the front axle, will result in a much more neutral vehicle to drive, especially at the limit. The weight reduction will also work to improve acceleration and braking, and even has tangible fuel-economy benefits. While owners aren’t too likely to care that the EPA rating has gone from 14/22 mpg (city/highway) to 15/23 mpg, they will when they discover that this improvement means the 2011 GT500 is the first modern Shelby to avoid the gas guzzler tax.

Along with the weight loss, additional handling improvements come from Ford’s new EPAS electronic power steering, which the automaker says delivers a better feel and a more precise movement, while also enabling less effort during low speed maneuvers.

Also new for 2011 is an optional glass roof and standard HID headlights. Convertible models are now 12 percent stiffer. Oh, and lets not forget an all-new 2.75-inch exhaust system, with more volume when you want it and less droaning when you don’t.

Those seeking even more performance from their GT500 will want to opt for the SVT Performance Package with some aerodynamic changes, lighter wheels shod in new Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperCar G2 tires, a higher rear axle ratio, a lower ride height and stiffer springs. Ford claims that on a 2.3-mile road course, the SVT package will net a 3 second per lap improvement!

Ford will officially unveil the updated 2011 Shelby GT500 at the Chicago Auto Show on Wednesday, February 10th.

For complete 2010 Chicago Auto Show coverage click here

GALLERY: 2011 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

Official release after the jump:

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BMW has just released information and pricing on the refreshed 2011 X5 model, with an impressive new base engine and base price. For 2011 the old 3.0-liter straight six and xDrive30i model is replaced by BMW’s single-turbo six and xDrive35i model making 300-hp. This is enough to deliver a respectable 6.4 second to 60 mph time, which is the same number the old xDrive48i model hit. Along with the added power, improved acceleration comes by way of a new 8-speed automatic gearbox that BMW claims also improves fuel economy. Better yet, the new base price is down almost $1,800, with the 2011 model starting at just $46,675 including destination.

For 2011 the 48i has been replaced with a new xDrive50i model, using the same 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 as found in the 5 Series GT, X6 and 7 Series. It also gets an 8-speed automatic transmission. Pricing for the 50i model goes in the opposite direction, however, increasing by about $2,100 over last year’s model to $59,275.

Other highlights for 2011 include larger air intakes and a new lower front fascia. In addition, more of the body panels will be painted, rather than left black, giving the SUV a more-premium and less rugged look. Also included for 2011 is a new Brake Energy Regeneration system that only recharges the battery when the vehicle is coasting or braking to reduce parasitic loss on the engine and reduce fuel consumption by one-to-two percent.

As for the diesel-powered xDrive35d, it gets aesthetic, but no engine changes.

BMW has said it will release new fuel economy numbers later this year, with the 201 X5 set to debut at the New York Auto Show in late March.

GALLERY: 2011 BMW X5

Some complete 2011 model year details after the jump:

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Chevy is reportedly considering building a 4-door coupe-style model based on the new Cruze. The idea would be to imitate what companies like Mercedes did when it built its 4-door coupe (the CLS), using an existing platform (the E-Class) and then add more style and jack up the price. Not only would it potentially allow for higher profit margins, but it would also work to draw in European and Japanese buyers into Chevy dealerships.

The new Cruze-based 4-door coupe would use the same wheelbase but sacrifice some back seat room in exchange for a more impressive design. With the Cruze already quite large for the compact class, this might be a real possibility.

The report, by Motor Trend, also suggests the best may to do this might be to sell the model as an SS version – although GM has said that it the future it will use SS badges more sparingly and not just toss them on anything they can slot a more powerful engine into. (Yes HHR SS, we’re talking about you).

SS badges or not, a more powerful version might use Chevy’s 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, although even a slightly more powerful version of the 1.4-turbo could work.

Regardless, don’t look for a four-door coupe Cruze until at least 2013.

Get more Chevy Cruze news and info at CruzeTalk.com

[Source: Motor Trend]

Subaru will use the 2010 Geneva Auto Show to debut a new Impreza XV model in Europe and judging from the car’s description we think we’ve seen it before. In a brief press release Subaru describes the Impreza model as having many of the items featured on the U.S.-spec Impreza Outback Sport. What that means are special fender flates, roof rails, a roof spoiler and a new front grille. In Europe, the Impreza XV will come with either a 2.0-liter boxer 4-cylinder or Boxer Diesel.

At the Geneva show, Subaru will also show-off its Hybrid Tourer Concept, the Plug-in Stella electric car, as well as a selection of models equipped with the automaker’s Boxer Diesel.

AutoGuide’s live coverage of the 2010 Geneva Auto Show begins March 2nd.

Official release after the jump:

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As expected, after delivering the 911 Turbo and then producing an updated model with 530-hp, the German sports car experts at Porsche have now revealed the 911 Turbo S with 530-hp – the very same amount produced by the GT2. Using the same twin-turbo flat six, torque has also been upped to 516 ft-lbs enabling an alarmingly fast 0-62 mph time of just 3.3 seconds. Top speed is rated at an impressive 196-mph.

Power is transmitted to the ground with all four wheels via Porsche’s seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters.

Other highlights include launch control, the Sport Chrono Package, Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) and 19-inch center-locking RS Spyder style wheels.

Both a coupe and cabriolet model will be offered with the official debut at the Geneva Auto Show in March.

Pricing for the car is set at €145,400 for the coupe and €154,900 for the cabriolet, plus tax, with U.S. pricing expected shortly.

We’ll bring you more on this car and the rest of the world premieres at the Geneva Auto Show starting March 1st.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

GALLERY: 2011 Porsche 911 Turbo S

Official release after the jump:

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After an entertaining teaser, Kia has just released its complete SuperBowl commercial a day before the big game debut. With some catchy tunes and life-sized toys out for an adventurous road trip it will certainly catch your attention.

Kia is also hoping its new Sorento will catch the attention of young families, who want a vehicle that will let them be both parents and kids. The Korean automaker has put out some pretty impressive vehicles lately, and as much as it’s likely to be a quality machine, we’re not so sure about the fun factor.

The other message Kia is working to communicate to American consumers is the fact that the all-new Sorento is built in the U.S.A. In fact, the new Sorento is the first made-in-America Kia.

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Audi has just unveiled the complete version of its 2010 SuperBowl ad featuring the A3 TDI. The gist of the commercial is that the Green Police are out arresting regular folks doing regular things that are bad for the environment, like throwing out compost, using plastic bags for groceries or using incandescent light bulbs.

At a traffic stop to look for environmental offenders, the Green Police see an A3 TDI and let the driver go, while everyone else is stuck in traffic.

While we did get a chuckle over the Green Police pulling over the actual police at the end (and the Cheap Trick “Green Police” song is pretty darn catchy), this certainly isn’t up to Audi’s usual standards and the company’s green diesel diatribe is getting a little old. Who knows, the whole thing might backfire, with its Orwellian-like universe run by Al Gore. Yawn…

See after the jump for some other 2010 SuperBowl ads from Kia and Hyundai:

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Chevy’s next generation Camaro is going to shrink in size from its current behemoth underpinnings and share a new global Alpha platform with the third-generation Cadillac CTS and the all-new ATS. With the next Camaro due out in 2015, the CTS is destined to bow in 2013 as a 2014 model, while the 3-Series fighting ATS is scheduled to arrive just afterwards.

The news comes from a report by Motor Trend after a presentation by consultancy firm Grant Thornton LLP at the Automotive Press Association on Thursday.

Other details revealed include plans to discontinue the CTS Coupe and SportWagon, likely because both a coupe, convertible and wagon version of the ATS are in the works. The CTS will then grow slightly (by roughly 6-inches) to be more in line with the 5 Series and E-Class.

To make this plan cost effective its likely that the new Alpha platform will use different amounts of aluminum and steel depending on whether it is being used for a Cadillac or a Chevy, with the Caddy getting a higher percentage of lighter, but more expensive, aluminum.

In addition to this new MT also suggests, the 2015 Camaro SS is likely to get a supercharged or turbocharged V6, rather than a V8.

[Source: Motor Trend]